Escondido

Three people pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana in a sophisticated indoor hydroponic plantation.

Dale Sparks, 48, of San Marcos also pleaded guilty to filing a false income tax return. He could be sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

His wife, Julie Sparks, 30, and James Frederick Noble of Escondido could receive five-year prison terms when they are sentenced Jan. 26 by U.S. District Judge J. Lawrence Irving.

The Narcotics Task Force discovered 3,547 sinsemilla marijuana plants in two warehouses in Escondido on Vinewood Street and Market Place in October, 1985. Water was recycled and fans were placed carefully so that the breezes would carry pollen.

The three were indicted by a federal grand jury in April, 1986.

In March, San Diego Gas & Electric filed suit against Noble and Dale Sparks asking for $166,749 in unpaid electricity bills and $2 million in punitive damages.

It was anticipated that the other counts of marijuana possession, manufacturing and false income tax return charges would be dismissed at sentencing.

All three remain free on $30,000 bail.